Medical Exploring at TRMC - April

Do you know any high school students who might be interested in a career in healthcare? Medical Exploring for high school students launched at TRMC this spring and three Tillamook County teens signed up as charter members. The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. to learn about different career opportunities in the medical field. Healthcare providers from a variety of departments will host the Explorers and provide hands-on learning experiences.

At their first meeting Explorers learned about ultrasound imaging technology. They heard from Dennis Grosulak, staff sonographer about his career, education and certifications, and the wages an entry level sonographer can expect to earn, as well as the demand for this position industry-wide. The Explorers saw ultrasound images of their own organs and arteries, and they had a chance to practice wielding the ultrasound wand.

In their second meeting Explorers interviewed Jeanne Lopinski, ICU-RN, and learned what it takes to provide skilled nursing care to patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). They heard about Jeanne’s career, the other departments she has worked in and why ICU is her favorite. They learned the pay range for entry level RNs, and how it differs from one region of the country to another. Nurses on the west coast make more than their counterparts in the Midwest, for example. Explorer Jordan Brown got in an ICU bed and observed his vital signs on a monitor; then the Explorers learned to hang IV bags with Laura Fournier, RN.

Exploring is a career education program for girls and boys 14 years and older. It is offered through the Tillamook Regional Medical Center in partnership with the Cascade Pacific Council. All high school students in Tillamook County (14 and older) are welcome to join. The membership fee is $20 for a year. Dinner will be provided at the monthly meetings.

The Medical Exploring group will meet May 7 at 5:00 p.m. in the third floor conference room D. Dinner is provided. Are you or any teens you know curious about a career in healthcare? Please plan to join us.